The First Banning of a Motorcycle Clubs Colors in America by LJ James If you are a Member of a Motorcycle Club as I am

HawgTrax Biker News

Articles & Commentary

Who Will Teach New Motorcycle Clubs The True

Meaning of Biker Brotherhood

by LJ James

I want to address a question I have gotten a lot recently. (I am sure it has a lot to do with the hit show Sons of Anarchy) It is from people who want to start new Motorcycle Clubs. They want to know if they should go to the predominate MCs in their area to talk about starting a new MC first. Many have said to me they do not understand the reason why they should go talk to them! Some have even gone as far as to say that if they have to go to the predominate MC in their area and ask permission that just proves that MC is a Criminal Gang! Not sure how they came to that conclusion but they are some very strong words sent over the computer.

I want everyone to remember I am writing this info as a guideline to those who are looking to get into the MC world and individual results may vary. This maybe some new fad to you but to true Motorcycle Club Members this world is everything!

For my answer to this Question I am going to put aside any statements of having to ask permission of the MCs in your area first. I am going to instead ask why would you not speak to the MCs in your area and get their Blessing first before starting a new Motorcycle Club. Many say it’s because they are going to start a different type of Motorcycle Club. They may even be calling themselves something different like a Riding Club or a Motorcycle Association. Are your Members going to ride Motorcycles and have patches on their vests? If the answer is yes, Then again why not go speak to those who have come before you and paved the roads you now wish to ride down!

For many I know the reason they don’t want to ask is simple fear! Fear of what they do not know or what they think they do know. If it is fear, then it is because you do not know the real Motorcycle Club world! Now every Motorcycle Club in the world is different. But most Motorcycle Clubs don’t mind helping to get a new MC started and teach them what it really means to be in a Motorcycle Club, I can guarantee you it is something you will not learn on TV no matter how many episodes you may watch!

Now if you have decided that what you really want is to start up a new Motorcycle Club, One thing I want to make sure you know is something every Father should have taught his Son as a Child and that is “Do not lie and Always do what you say you are going to do” One fact I will also give you is the MC world is all about Respect! If you just start up a new MC without talking to the other clubs in your area that will most likely be seen as disrespectful!

Let’s think about some other reasons you would want to talk to the MCs in your area first. You are going to want to make sure your new Patch or MC name is not similar to another Motorcycle Club. Many MCs have worked hard over the years to create a name and image for themselves. They will not like the idea of you either using a name close to theirs or wearing a patch that looks like theirs. The reason being is a simple one, They do not want you being mistaken for them doing anything that would make them look bad. You also could be seen as trying to ride on their coat tails by using the reputation they have worked hard for. You may not understand it now but the MC world is a Brotherhood and if you are fortunate enough to be welcomed into it, You will understand after years of working hard creating a name for your MC. The bottom line is meeting with the MCs in your area and talking with them before starting a new MC is the right thing to do!

Another fear many have is they wrongly believe they will be forced to do things for these other MC’s. The only thing most Clubs may ask of you is to come to a few of their events each year have fun and again to show Respect!!!

Now I have heard complaints from many that there are areas where the MCs have decided they do not want any more new MCs! Well all I can do is guess why that might be! The reason I would think that Motorcycle Clubs would say no more Clubs in an area is that there are already a lot of different MCs in that area and they all get along real well. These MCs would not want anything new coming in and messing up the harmony they have created.

Now like I said before the reason most say they want to start a new MC is because they want to start something different then what is in that area. Well often that is not the truth. The real reason People usually want to start a new MC is because they do not want to have to Prospect! If the only reason you want to start a new MC is because you are not willing to prospect, My best advice to you is to stay an independent rider because you will not last long in the Motorcycle Club world anyway!

I am Your Bro LJ James AmericanBikerX.com

Check List for Vehicle Transport

by David Best

There are a lot of people who are buying vehicles off the internet. Once they have won the bid they are left with the task of getting it transported. For some, this is a one time thing. For others, it's a business. What I have found is that most folks don't really know who to trust or how to go about hiring a trustworthy company. There are numerous false claims by unscrupulous internet auction style shipping brokers, matching services and outlaw transporters. Here, we have assembled a list of basic laws pertaining to Vehicle Transport. These are things you need to know before you get trapped into a situation where you become a victim of fraud or theft.

1. Make sure you have a Copy of a clean Title/Registration/Bill of Sale for the vehicle you have just purchased. This shows proof of ownership. Your driver will need these in case of inspection by law enforcement officials.

2. Choose a company registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. There should be a USDOT # (United States Department of Transportation) and MC # (Motor Carrier) posted on the side of their truck. If not, then most likely they are illegal haulers.

3. Motor Carriers are required to carry $750,000 Bodily Injury & Physical Damage Insurance Coverage. If transporting vehicles they must carry a $1,000,000 BIPD policy. This is the minimum required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This amount of coverage allows the transporter to be on the highway with Hazmat laden vehicles. Transporters can get by with $750,000 BIPD but, all fluids must be drained from the vehicle.

4. A Cargo Policy with adequate coverage limits must be in place to cover your vehicle. The BIPD policy covers the transporters truck and trailer ONLY! The Cargo Policy is what covers your property in case of disaster. Have the transporter's Insurance Company issue you a Certificate of Insurance naming you and your shipment as the insured. This is in most cases a free service provided by the Ins. co. If you can't get this prior to shipment then they are illegal haulers.

5. Anyone can get a USDOT #. It's free to anyone who is a US citizen with an address or PO box and SS #. An MC # costs $300 and must be accompanied by a BIPD/Cargo policy. If your transporter does not have an MC # that means there is no Ins. to cover your property. By Law, you cannot enter into a Legal Contract with anyone without an MC #. If something were to happen, like an accident, not only is the illegal transporter liable for damages but anyone who has hired an illegal transporter is liable as well.

6. If a transporter is working within their home state (IntRAstate) they may operate legally as long as they remain under a GVWR of 10,001 lbs. If the transporter crosses state lines (IntERstate) hauling their own goods for commerce, a USDOT # is all that is required. Once they go over the magic number of 10,001 lbs. and are transporting for compensation (Hauling for Hire) an MC # then becomes a requirement by the FMCSA.

7. There are instances where a transporter can haul for hire without a USDOT # or MC #. The truck cannot be over a registered GVWR of 10,001 LBS. The combined (truck/trailer/cargo) weight cannot exceed this minimum. Once this weight has been exceeded the laws specific to Big Trucks now apply. The transporter must comply with Federal Mandated Registration, Ins. Coverage, Hours of Service Rules, Logbook Entries and Truck Maintenance Restrictions. They are also required to stop at all Weigh Stations and are subject to inspections by DOT officials.

8. The GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is located on a sticker inside of the driver's door on most trucks. The GVWR of a 3/4 ton pickup truck is going to be around 6400 lbs. Add a boat and trailer you have now exceeded the minimum. Add a Trailer and 1 car, you are now over the Combined GVWR. You can probably carry one bike, one 4-wheeler or one Jet Ski and not be over the Combined GVWR. Anything beyond that requires MC status.

9. All shipments on the truck will require a Bill of Lading. This is a shipping document that shows who owns the property or is having it shipped. It gives all the pertinent info related to the shipment like Vin #s, Hull #s, addresses for pickup/delivery, pickup/delivery contact person and phone numbers. A Condition Report is always good especially if accompanied by pictures. This will show any damage that occurs or doesn't occur during transit.

10. Signatures, Signatures, Signatures. Get anyone involved to sign the BoL and Condition Report prior to, during and after delivery to prove if and when damage occurs.

11. There are different designations for Household Goods Transporters, Vehicle Transporters and Brokers. Each has to file the proper paperwork and pay applicable fees in order to be granted authority to operate legally. Just because a transporter shows "Active" status as an Auto Carrier doesn't mean they have authority to haul Household Goods and vice -versa. This goes for Brokers as well. They must be designated specific to the goods they transport. Most transporters don't have both either. The amount of ins. and fees generally makes this cost prohibitive.

I hope this helps give you some insight as to what goes on during transport. Here at HawgTrax MotorSports, we've hauled many bikes, cars, boats, travel trailers, aircraft, clothing and freight. For the most part things go without a hitch. I have never filed a claim in the many years I have done this but, you still need to be prepared. With just a few clicks of a mouse at www.FMCSA.DOT.gov you can see who is legal and who isn't. You can check the Safety Records, Out of Service Reports and claims filed by every Legal Transport Company registered with the FMCSA. If they are not registered then you have no recourse but to file a civil action if things go wrong.

While you are here go read my blog (HawgBlawg) There is an article there "How the Scammers Scam" that explains how the illegal haulers can easily get over on an unsuspecting shipper. It shows how they can get your property and be gone without a trace and you never find them or your property.

So don't forget...

Hire a Legal Fully Compliant Transport Company. The Bike you save could be your own!

www.HawgTrax.com

919-550-8502

The Last Free Americans

By LJ James

Whenever a person or group of people try to live their lives free, those who are stuck in unhappy lives will be jealous. Some people have a hard time letting go, freeing themselves from the day to day trials and tribulations of everyday life even for a little while. Others seek an escape from the stress and anxiety often associated with modern day life.

I guess for me, that's part of why I am a Biker. There is something about riding a bike that inspires a sense of freedom in me. The open road, the wind in my face, the smells, getting back to nature, the power of my bike. It's all these things and more that make me feel free. It's unfortunate that there are some people who, for whatever reason, can't find something or someway to let go and experience the sense of freedom that we do. These people, for whatever reason, are the ones who point to us and call us rogues or rebels. They say that what we are doing is wrong and that our culture is a "disruptive influence."

As Bikers, we live our lives a little differently. We work and have responsibilities, but we still know the feeling of freedom. Maybe its because we smile just a bit more and are a bit more relaxed that turns these people green with envy?

A person who works hard and has no free time sees a person on the road riding his or her motorcycle and thinks "I wish that was me!" The thought of being free doesn't leave their mind. They long for it. They crave it badly! How many of you out their have had a friend tell you how they have always wanted to buy a Motorcycle and just go out riding? How many of them ever actually do?

Here is a typical story : A man is driving home from work when he see's a group of motorcycle riders pull up next to him. He looks at this group of people riding together having a great time, He starts to think, "I wish that was me". He then decides, "I'm going to buy a Motorcycle!" He starts thinking about riding. How great it will be to have his wife on the back of his bike and the wind in his face. We could ride up to the lake or maybe that little motel way up in the Mountains. Thinking of the great times he will have he starts to feel that small sense of freedom. He thinks "This must be what those Biker get to feel, Wow!"

He turns into the driveway, parks his truck and rushes into the house to tell his wife about his fantastic idea. "Hi honey, I'm going to buy a Motorcycle." His wife looks at him and says "What? Did you get overwhelmed by the fumes at work again?" "You can't ride a Motorcycle. The man answers back, "I'll learn!"

"You must be crazy", she says. "Those things are death traps! You will kill yourself and we can't afford it!" "Honey this is something I really want" replies the man. "NO NO NO!!! I won't have one of those things in my house! What kind of message would it send to the kids, our neighbors?"

They argue about it, but it the end, the man never gets his motorcycle. He never goes to the lake with his wife or takes that trip up to the little motel in the mountains. He never feels the real sense of freedom one can only get when taking a long trip on a motorcycle. He spends the rest of his life wishing he had never seen that group of Motorcycles. He is angry and bitter.

Now when he see's Bikers he puts them down. He hates Bikers, not because of who or what they are, but because of what he can never be. He hates them because of what they represent. They represent a kind of freedom, sense of belonging, a oneness with nature and the world that he longs for, he craves, but can never have.

We live here in America, the home of the free, but many are not free. They have never experienced the sense of freedom that can only be experienced on two wheels and, for whatever reason, never will. They live boring, uneventful. "safe" lives and complain about those who don't.

Don't hate these envious people, pity them for they will never know the sense of freedom and brotherhood we get from riding with a group of our Bro's. They'll never know the wind in their face, the feeling of peace and oneness with nature we feel as we ride threw the country side or down a long lonely highway. They'll never know the clarity of mind that comes from a long ride alone or the closeness and bond of a long ride or weekend away with someone special. Just thank your higher power that you've found a way to escape, a way to be free, even if for some it's just on the weekends.

Ride Safe and Ride Free because when it all come down to it, this is all about the Ride!

Your Bro LJ James AmericanBikerX.com

New York Motorcycle Lawyer Recommends

10 Safety Tips for Bikers

by Adam Gee

As the calendar flips to March, Daylight Savings Time is within sight, and the thermometer creeps above 50 degrees, thoughts of getting that motorcycle back on the road will turn to action. Before you fire up that bike for the first time, please take a minute to consider your safety practices. These safety tips could mean the difference between coming home in one piece and not coming home at all.

We all know that riding a bike carries a few more risks than sitting behind the wheel of a car, but by applying a few simple strategies, we can reduce that risk significantly. I’m not here to preach; you’re going to do what you want anyway, and so you should. I’d just like you to do it safely.

1. BE VISIBLE

Wear bright clothing and a bright colored helmet, something that will draw attention to you and make you stand out. This gives the guy who is talking on his cell phone about last night’s game a better chance of seeing you. If all drivers were as vigilant as the average biker you wouldn’t have to take these measures, but they’re not. Always ride with your headlight on.

2. WEAR A DOT APPROVED HELMET

Sure, those skull cap helmets look cool, but would you want to be wearing one if your brain depended on it? Wear a properly certified, good fitting helmet and your chances of surviving a crash without brain damage will go up. As mentioned above, consider a light or bright color.

3. SPEED

We have speed limits for a reason. Obey them, and your chances of coming home safely are increased. Need another reason? Not only will obeying speed limits get you home safely, but without speeding tickets you are also more likely to come home with your driver’s license and all your money in your pocket!

4. YOUR BIKE

Consider a tune up before the start of the cycling season to be sure that your motorcycle is in tip top shape. Check your oil, tires, chain and brakes. Immediately investigate any unusual noises.

5. CLOTHING

As mentioned above, bright clothing is preferable, but I wasn’t referring to yellow gym shorts. Wear clothing that protects you from harm. You can never go wrong with leather. A good pair of gloves, especially during the early riding season, will help keep your skin where it belongs.

6. ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

It goes without saying that alcohol and drugs don’t mix with safe cycling, but it happens every year. Those are usually the bikers getting scraped up off the road. If you want to drink, take a cab. If you want to ride, drink soda. For everyone’s sake, please don’t mix the two.

7. RIDING AN UNFAMILIAR BIKE

If you bought a new bike in the off season, or are trying out a friend’s bike, take a little time to familiarize yourself with the handling before you get too carried away. Every bike is different, so even bikes of similar weight, size and style can handle differently.

8. AVOID RIDING TIRED

You need to have your full wits about you every second you are on your bike. You may not be able to nap on your bike on the side of the road the way you can in a car, but if your eyelids are feeling heavy, consider stopping for a cup of coffee and a walk.T

9. RIDING WITH A PASSENGER

Riding with a passenger can turn your beautiful-handling machine into a monster, especially if you’re not used to it. A passenger affects the balance, performance and handling of any bike. Take it easy until you get used to the way your bike handles with a passenger on the back. Also remember that every passenger is different; some will move and lean with you, while others will sit rigidly. Which kind of passenger they are will also affect the handling of your bike.

10. ANTICIPATION

Your most important defense against a collision is your anticipation. Try to anticipate trouble before it happens. Ride as if you’re invisible and expect cars to pull out in front of you, so that when they do you are mentally prepared and have adopted a good road position and speed to handle it.

Thanks for reading, and ride safe!

Adam M. Gee, Esq.

http://www.nyinjurylawblog.com

The First Banning of a

Motorcycle Clubs Colors in America

by LJ James

If you are a Member of a Motorcycle Club as I am, I'm sure you have heard about how a Judge has banned the Colors of the the Mongols Motorcycle Club. Not only are the Members not aloud to wear their Colors, but any item that's has their Colors on it must be forfeited upon demand. I can not expect many who are not in a Motorcycle Club to understand what this really means! Twenty years ago this would have struck fear into the soul of every American Citizen! Today I am sure most probably will not even hear about it and those that do will probably not care! What has happen to this Country?

I can not believe this is actually happening, I have been writing stories on this for years. Part of me had always hoped I was just being paranoid or that all the Motorcycle Clubs would some how come together on some level and work out the problems. I have been getting emails on how the Story I wrote last year called "Taken from a History book in the year 2095" does not sound so far fetched any more?

Are there Criminals in Motorcycle Clubs? We hear about Drug dealers, Rapists and Murderers in the NFL and NBA all the time. When was the last time you heard of a Biker running a Dog fighting ring? Can a Judge just ban the Logo of a Sports Franchise if its Members are involved in some kind of Criminal activity? You may be saying No because its different. Well I say it is only different because they haven't done it yet! There are the same problems in Motorcycle Clubs that there are in all organizations. The Police force has much more Criminal Activity going on in it then all the Motorcycle Clubs put together! Only Difference is they can bury the Truth! When it comes to Motorcycle Clubs and criminal activity the big difference is, The legend of Motorcycle Clubs is we are America's bad boys and it just sells so dam good.

This injustice can not be allowed to stand!!! I am sure some Sport Bike Clubs and AMA Club's feel they have nothing to fear! I am sure many are thinking this has nothing to do with them, Its only the Outlaw and 1% Clubs! They are thinking this isn't about us "we are the good guys". This is how to defeat us, take down the top level's first! The other levels will make excuses as to why it is not their fight and stand aside. All Bikers must join the fight now because once they are done with the Outlaw and 1% Clubs, Who do you think they will be looking at Next? Once the Outlaw and 1% Clubs are gone there will be no one left to come and help when they come for you!

I am pretty sure this is still America and this is completely against everything this Country was founded on and stands for! We all must ask, If this ruling is allowed to stand what Motorcycle Club will it be next? Will it be yours? What will the reasons be that they will use to ban your Clubs patch ? Will Jay walking be enough? Is that too ridiculous? How about if your an MC member and you get caught with a bag of weed? Is that enough? Will there have to be two Members involved? Three? What reason will they need to ban your Motorcycle Clubs patch?

When Motorcycle Clubs start having their Colors banned many members will start or join new Clubs, Because that is what we are, Motorcycle Club Members! Soon the government will realize this and then Ban Motorcycle Clubs all together! Any one who thinks their Club is not at risk is only kidding themselves! The time to unite and try to work together was yesterday! Today we have no choice but to ban together and fight for or right to survive. Tomorrow, it will be too late!

Even if some how all Motorcycle Clubs can come together and work to win this fight, It is just the beginning and there will be many more rounds to come. If we are to win this fight we MUST at least make it to the 2nd round, Then we will have a Minute to pull ourselves together!!!

I am Your Bro LJ James AmericanBikerX.com

This and other articles will be placed here in the News Page periodically. If you write articles with Bikers in mind or you know of other articles that need exposure please don't hesitate to contact us at:

HawgDawg@HawgTrax.com

919-550-8502

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